Worst team in Hong Kong football’s top flight could still avoid drop, but boss gets sack

Managing the worst team in Hong Kong’s top flight has cost Football Club coach Chancy Cooke his job, but whoever takes over may still find themselves in the Premier League next season.

City officials are expected to give the team a pass when they meet this month, again rescuing a side that for the second straight season won only three matches and finished bottom on 11 points.

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) reintroduced promotion and relegation this season, and First Division champions Supreme have confirmed their plan to compete in the top flight.

Despite his imminent exit, Cooke staunchly backed his former club’s wish for a reprieve, claiming their successful youth structure provided “the foundation of a real club” and should be “a huge factor in the decision-making process”.

Should Football Club be granted clemency, the Premier League would return to 11 teams for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign.

Confirming that a May 31 HKFA meeting would determine the club’s immediate future, Cooke said: “I’ve been in Hong Kong for 12 years and seen so many teams come and go.

Click here to read article